Foreign Office issues new travel insurance warning

The Foreign Office is urging holidaymakers to make sure they have adequate travel insurance after its latest research revealed it was bottom of the list of their main concerns.

Getting to the airport on time, navigating airport security and waiting for their luggage were all bigger concerns for holidaymakers, said the FCO.

Only 2% were stressed about remembering to take out appropriate travel insurance, it said, while 20% were worried worried about getting through airport security.

With 72% of over-55s planning to travel abroad next year, half of them with pre-existing medical conditions, the FCO said it was vital holidaymakers understood the cost of not being adequately insured.

It said that one in 20 of over-55s had knowingly not declared a medical condition due to the increased cost of their travel insurance, but pointed out that it can cost as much as £90,000 for an air ambulance following a heart attack or stroke in the US, or £80,000 for an air ambulance due to a fractured hip in Thailand.

FCO consular director Julia Longbottom said: "Arranging travel insurance should be at the top of your holiday essentials before heading overseas. Travellers are losing thousands of pounds in medical bills and their families are having to find the money to help cover the cost or even repatriate them.

Having the appropriate travel insurance in place will help ensure that you get the support you need, should something go wrong overseas. It can make all the difference and allow you to relax and enjoy your holiday. Please travelinsured."